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Historic Virginia Ruins and Rails

a full day of hiking in the I-66 area with a bit of driving, ending the day in Harpers Ferry, WV

Rating: 5 out of 5 by EveryTrail members

Difficulty: Moderate

Length: 14 miles

Duration: Full day

Family Friendly

Overview:
This 14 miler adventure visits tons of settler homes and historic places, including water views, rails, and great places to eat!

The ... more »start of this package is Bull run conservatory located just west of Gainesville on I-66. Bull run will take you through tons of historic buildings and a civil war trail.

The next leg takes us slightly southwest a half hour away on Wildcat mountain conservatory. This hike shows us more historic buildings in a very quiet setting, and a leisurely place to have a packed lunch on the trail.

The third leg takes us slightly northwest, approximately an hour driving away, north of Ashby, off of I-66 to Hollow brook. This part of the AT will show you a unique waterfall, a summit with campsites and some ruins as well.

The final leg takes us north along the river with great views till we get to SR-340, and then up to Harpers Ferry or Charles town (tons of places to eat in charles town including fast food). Harpers Ferry has great table service with great wines as well. The evening hike is the Virginius Island trail, which is the easier of the ones in the area. Being totally flat, it is steeped in the history of the mill ruins and tons to see and enjoy the sunset by the Shenandoah river. Stop by Harpers Ferry train station and watch the train roll by. Visit the wax museum and other history laiden buildings.

Virginia at its best :-) less «

Tips:

start early!

can have packed lunch on wildcat trail

good table side service in Harpers Ferry! you have earned it by this leg of the trip

watch sunset on Virginius Island, also possible civil war reenactment here depending on time of year

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